Winner of the Palisades Centennial Art Contest Announced

By MAGNOLIA LAFLEUR | Reporter

Paul Revere Charter Middle School student Nicole Nguyen was recently announced the winner of the Palisades Centennial Art Contest, organized by local entities to honor 100 years of Pacific Palisades.

“Since we are celebrating the 100th anniversary of Pacific Palisades, I chose to draw the Business Block Building from 1924,” Nguyen said to the Palisadian-Post. “The building is iconic and symbolic of Pacific Palisades. It has a lot of character and is in the middle of downtown Pacific Palisades. I grew up knowing it as the pink building, though it’s not that anymore. I wanted to participate in the art contest to help celebrate my town’s centennial.”

Palisadian students were invited to compete, and submit drawings and paintings into the art contest. Their works are on display in the Palisades Branch Library.

President of the American Legion Auxiliary Sue Pascoe had the idea of basing the art contest on the importance of the Business Block Building. She took her idea to the Historical Society as a way to engage the younger generation with the history of the community.

Palisades Historical Society President Barbara Kohn said she was pleased to have so many “wonderful” artists submit their entries in celebration of the history of the Palisades.

“I often question why people come here … something draws them to this community,” Kohn said. “I believe it is the mountains, open space, the coastline, the beautiful atmosphere … The Chumash settled here for those reasons. It was the same environment that drew the Methodists 100 years ago. Knowing the history of what came before hopefully makes one appreciate and treasure what we have and encourage all to protect and preserve it for future generations.”

Local artist Katie O’Neill took a historic photo and turned it into a line drawing for Palisadians in kindergarten through fifth grade to color and drop off at Estate Coffee.

The Pacific Palisades Art Association judged the artwork, and cash prizes were supplied by the American Legion Auxiliary.

Nguyen shared she was “excited and happy” when she found out she had won. She said learning about history is fundamental to understanding the world we live in today.

“As I looked on the Pacific Palisades Historical Society website for ideas, I really enjoyed seeing how Pacific Palisades has changed over the past 100 years,” Nguyen said. “The drawing was difficult because there’s a lot of shadows and details that go into a black and white historical drawing.

“I love that Pacific Palisades is a small town and has a great, friendly community. The town is special to me because I was born and raised here.”

The Historical Society announced that due to COVID-19 concerns, the Centennial Anniversary Celebration—originally slated for Saturday, January 15—had been postponed. The organization is now eyeing a celebration in the spring, on May 7.

For more information visit pacificpalisadeshistory.org.